Cardinals vs. Broncos: Preseason Game 2 Q&A preview with Broncos Wire
The Arizona Cardinals face the Denver Broncos Saturday night. Kickoff from Empower Field at Mile High is at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. Arizona time). The two teams already had a joint practice on Thursday, so neither team will have starters on the field, save a few, in the actual game.
To get ready for the game, Broncos Wire managing editor Jon Heath answered a few questions to preview the matchup and take Cardinals fans "behind enemy lines."
Below are my questions and his responses.
Broncos' preseason opener
What was the good and the not so good from the Broncos' preseason opener?
First, the not so good: The starting defense allowed the 49ers to march down the field and score a touchdown on the opening drive, then the first-team offense stalled on their opening possession and Bo Nix took an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone for a safety on the second drive. The good: Denver's first-team defense bounced back, and the backup defenders had an excellent showing. The Broncos' first-team offense also managed a field goal on their third and final drive, and rookie running back RJ Harvey showed some flashes with the starters. This week, Denver fans will hope to see Nix lead a touchdown drive in his brief action.
Camp storylines
What have been the most interesting storylines in camp so far?
The running back battle is fascinating. J.K. Dobbins and Harvey are expected to carry the bulk of the load, but Denver has three other capable running backs competing for (at most) two spots. Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie and 2024 fifth-round pick Audric Estime all deserve a spot on a 53-man roster, but not all of them will be with the Broncos in Week 1.
Player standouts
Which Broncos players have stood out the most?
Trent Sherfield joined the team as a special teams ace, but he's turned heads on offense this summer. He'll be a player to watch. Undrafted rookie receiver Joaquin Davis has been a standout at training camp and outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper seems to be trending toward a breakout year.
Player health
How healthy is the team?
They're pretty healthy for this time of year. There are a few players with knocks, but overall, the Broncos are in pretty good shape. Sean Payton plays his starters in preseason, and typically into the second quarter in the second preseason game. After doing two joint practice this summer, though, Payton hinted that starters might not get extended action in Arizona. Nix and Co. will be out there, but probably not beyond the first quarter.
The starters will not play.
2025 expectations
What do the Broncos expect from the 2025 season?
Sean Payton has set Super Bowl aspirations. That doesn't mean they'll get there, but the Broncos haven't been shy about talking about it. After going 10-7 and reaching the playoffs last fall, Denver upgraded an already-stout defense and improved an underwhelming running back room. It remains to be seen if the Broncos end up being an actual Super Bowl contender, but they should be able to compete for a division title in the AFC West.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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